Autocar India
5h

My monthly running is around 3000 km mostly on highways. I need a family car for 4 members. For me, family safety and comfort is priority. Which car should I buy between diesel or EV? Suggest me diesel as well as EV under a budget of around 25 lakhs.

Verified
3m

With 3,000 km a month, mostly on highways, diesel is the clear recommendation. At that running, the fuel cost advantage of diesel becomes significant, and the long highway stretches play to the strengths of modern diesel engines. EVs are best suited to predictable city commutes with home charging, and while they can do highways, the charging infrastructure and stop planning still add friction on long, frequent trips.

For the car, the Mahindra XUV 7XO is the recommendation. It is one of the most comfortable and spacious family SUVs in the segment, with a strong diesel engine that is well suited to highway cruising. It also has a good safety package and a comfortable ride, which is important for long-distance family travel. Within R.s 25 lakh budget, the AX7 variant will be ideal and you can opt between a 6-speed automatic or a less expensive 6-speed manual. Both gearboxes are smooth and easy to use. Also while the XUV 7XO does not get ADAS in this AX7 trim, you still get 6 airbags, a 360° camera, and your essential electronic safety assets as well. It has also scored a perfect 5-star rating for crash safety in Bharat NCAP so that adds some more reassurance as well. It has also scored a perfect 5-star rating for crash safety in Bharat NCAP so that adds some more reassurance as well.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra XUV 7XO

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2d

Hi, I currently drive a Kia Sonet HTX iMT, which I purchased in December 2020. It has covered around 46,500km so far, with an annual running of approximately 10,000km. My current daily usage is 34km, mainly on the highway, as my office is in an industrial area. I am now looking to upgrade to a mid-size SUV with an automatic transmission. My priorities are a feature-rich car with a 5-star safety rating, good mileage, and enough space for a family of four, with occasional seating for six people. My expected usage will be around 80% city and 20% highway driving in the future. My budget is around Rs 21 lakh, although I can stretch it slightly for a better overall package. Please suggest some suitable options.

Verified
2d

Given your requirements, the best option is the Hyundai Alcazar petrol DCT. It's available as a six- or seven-seater, giving you the flexibility you need when your extended family joins you on your journeys, and its 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine is relatively fuel efficient for a car of its size. The dual-clutch automatic is smooth enough, though it can be a bit clunky at low speeds if not driven smoothly and carefully. Also worth noting is that even the base model petrol-AT Alcazar costs around Rs 21 lakh on road, and the Alcazar has not been tested by any NCAP authority.The next best option is not an SUV but arguably a more practical option - the Kia Carens Clavis. It uses the same engine and gearbox in a lighter package with more space on the inside. Other 7-seat SUV options with more space - like the Mahindra XUV 7XO, Tata Safari, Mahindra Scorpio-N and MG Hector Plus are available, but are nowhere near as fuel-efficient and will be out of your budget as well. All things considered, the Hyundai Alcazar is your best option.

VehicleHyundai Alcazar
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VehicleMG Hector
VehicleMahindra XUV 7XO
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VehicleKia Carens Clavis

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Posted on: 10 Sept 2026